Magufuli appoints lean Cabinet of 19, bans ministers’ retreat to cut costs

What you need to know:

  • Announcing the new Cabinet at State House on Wednesday, Dr Magufuli said he decided to merge some of the ministries in line with his cost-cutting philosophy.
  • The new faces in the cabinet include Dr Augustine Mahiga (Foreign Affairs), Nape Nnauye (Information), Anastazia Wambura.
  • The number of ministers and their deputies has been cut by nearly a half from 60, which was announced by former President Jakaya Kikwete when he took office in 2005.
  • The new team announced yesterday includes 11 ministers who were in previous administration. Eight women were appointed.
  • The president left four dockets vacant: Finance and Planning; Education, Science and Technology; Works, Transport and Communication and Natural Resources and Tourism ministry.

DAR ES SALAAM, Thursday

President John Magufuli has finally announced his Cabinet of 19 ministries.

It is 11 ministries less compared to the last government.

Announcing the new Cabinet at State House on Wednesday, Dr Magufuli said he decided to merge some of the ministries in line with his cost-cutting philosophy.

The new faces include Dr Augustine Mahiga (Foreign Affairs), Nape Nnauye (Information), Anastazia Wambura.

Some of the old faces who returned include Mr William Lukuvi (Land), January Makamba (Vice President’s Office), Jenister Muhagama (Prime Minister’s Office), Charles Mwijage (Industries and Trade), Mwigulu Nchemba (Agriculture), George Simbachawene and Angela Kairuki.

Others are Prof Makame Mbarawa (Water and Irrigation), Dr Husseini Mwinyi (Minister for Defence) and Dr Harrison Mwakyembe (Constitution and Legal Affairs).

The new Cabinet announced on Wednesday has 19 ministers and 15 deputy ministers.

HALVED MINISTRIES

The number of ministers and their deputies has been cut by nearly a half from 60, which was announced by former President Jakaya Kikwete when he took office in 2005.

The new team announced yesterday includes 11 ministers who were in previous administration. Eight women were appointed.

The new ministers as well as their deputies are expected to be sworn in on Friday at the State House by President Magufuli.

In what came as a surprise to a majority of Tanzanians, President Magufuli left four dockets vacant.

According to him, he is still looking for the right people.

The dockets which are still vacant are Finance and Planning; Education, Science and Technology; Works, Transport and Communication and Natural Resources and Tourism ministry.

However the President named deputy ministers for the four ministries.

NO RETREAT

In another move to cut costs, the President also said there will be no retreat for the newly appointed ministers.

Dr Magufuli said the ministers would familiarise themselves with their work environment along the way.

Dr Magufuli said the money which would have been spent on the retreat will now be re-directed to social services.

Sine the retreat will not be held, the President will save Sh2 billion.

“There is no reason for retreat because most of the appointees campaigned for ‘Kapa Kazi Tu’, when they were asking for votes.

“I and my colleagues (Vice- President and Prime Minister) did not go on a retreat but we have managed to perform our jobs even in the absence of ministers,” he said.